Sahiwal Cow Advantages, Disadvantages, Facts, Milk Benefits

The Sahiwal breed is from the rural Punjab district of Pakistan, which is located on the Indian-Pakistani border. Trained herdsmen known as "Junglies" used to keep them in a big herd. However, as irrigation system was introduced to the area, farm owners started to keep them in small populations, as they were used as draught and dairy livestock.

The Sahiwal is among India and Pakistan's finest dairy breeds. It is naturally resistant to tick bites, high temperatures, and is well-known for its increased resistance to parasitic infections, both internally and externally. During a lactation, cows produce an average of 2270 kg of milk while suckling a calf, and much higher milk yields have been reported. They have been distributed to other Asian nations, as well as Africa and the Caribbean, mainly due to their heat resilience and high dairy production. They are usually placid and lethargic as oxen, which makes them more suitable for the slow task. Their color varies from reddish-brown to a brighter red, with different ratios of white on the neck and underline. The color darkens in males as it approaches the extremities, such as the head, legs, and tails.

Sahiwal Cow Advantages

Sahiwal cow milk provides between 5 to 6% fat, while milk from other breeds contains less than 3% fat. There are three forms of protein in Sahiwal's milk: alpha, beta, and globin. Beta protein carries both the A1 and A2 alleles. Only the Sahiwal breed possessed allele A2, which encoded proline rather than the histidine protein discovered in other breeds' milk. Because of the existence of this additional allele, Sahiwal's milk is a blessing to mankind, as it aids in the treatment of diseases such as cholesterol, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease. This is why the Sahiwal cow is regarded as a valuable breed.

Other imported breeds of cows can produce up to 60 liters of milk per day, whereas Sahiwal can produce up to 20 liters at a time. It can give birth several times over the course of a lifetime, while most can only do so three or four times. It can also withstand extreme weather, unlike other imported breeds that need a constant temperature to survive. It can give birth in 21-22 months and is often thought to be the most intelligent breed.

Sahiwal Cow Disadvantages

Overall Sahiwal cow breed is a healthy breed with a lot of benefits except the fact that it requires an extra amount of feed as compared to other imported breeds. They drink more than enough fresh and clean water so farmers must keep them in the wide area where they have water supply and feed available. 

Sahiwal Cow Facts

• This breed has a fleshy body and is medium in size.
• Males have a darker color around the orbit, spine, and hindquarters, while females have a reddish dun color.
• Females are sometimes dehorned, although males have stumpy horns.
• Ears are drooping and medium in size.
• With a voluminous dewlap and sheath, the skin is loose and fine.
• The male has a large hump, while the female has a minor hump.
• The udder is broad and heavy, with white patches on occasion.
• Since its skin instinctively shivers, this breed is tick immune.
• With a fat content of 4.5 percent, milk yield is 1500-2200 liters per lactation.

Sahiwal Cow Milk Benefits

This breed of cow produces approximately 1500 - 2200 liters of milk per lactation and sometimes higher than that. Milk of this breed is really a blessing for mankind as it has an extra amount of fat and high protein content.